What is joules

The SI derived unit used to measure energy or work. One joule is equal to the energy used to accelerate a body with a mass of one kilogram using one newton of force over a distance of one meter. One joule is also equivalent to one watt-second. The International System unit of electrical, mechanical, and thermal energy. A unit of energy in the MKS system. It is equal to 10,, ergs in the CGS system. Surge protectors are often given joule ratings, but this refers only to the amount of energy they can absorb, not what gets through.

See CGS system. This ability, when measured in joules, is equivalent to one joule. Meaning, when you release the apple, the force of gravity, which is simply just the weight of the body and equivalent to one Newton, would be able to perform one joule of work on it when the apple drops down from a height of one meter. Particle physics experiments deal with large amounts of energies.

That is why it is also known as high energy physics. Let your ears help you learn for a change. Chemistry Expert. Helmenstine holds a Ph. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated March 07, Featured Video. Cite this Article Format.

Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph. Joule Definition Unit in Science. The unit is named in recognition of British physicist James P. Like all SI units, the letter of its symbol is written in upper case, yet is in lowercase when it is spelled out in English. A joule is defined as the amount of energy transferred to an object when a force of one newton acts on the object in the direction of its motion through a distance of one meter 1 newton meter or Nm.

It can also be defined as energy dissipated as heat when an electric current of one ampere passes through a resistance of an ohm for one second. It is also equal to one watt of power emitted or dissipated for one second, or watt second Ws.

In various applications, British thermal units BTU are used to express the unit for energy. One BTU is equal to approximately 1, joules.